Livelihood diversification and food security in Pakwach District

Abstract

Despite food being a basic need for survival, growth and good health, many households in Uganda remain food insecure. This study investigated the relationship between livelihood diversification and food security in Pakwach District. The study drew a sample of 150 rural households through a stratified random sampling technique. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires while qualitative data were collected through Key Informant Interviews, documentation and observation. Quantitative data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics whereas Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that 51% of the respondent were female and 80% were married. Majority (89%) were educated. They cultivate an average of 2.5 hectares of farmland. The mean per capita food expenditure per month was estimated to be UGX 200,000 and the value were used as food security index; about 56.2% of the households were food insecure. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient obtained for the diversification index (0.62) was positive and significant at 1% level of probability. This revealed that livelihood diversification had a significant effect on household food security (p<0.01). The study revealed that; limited access to credits, skills, markets and infrastructure weaken the efficacy of non-farm livelihoods to improve food security. The study recommended that efforts should be made by all development actors to; improve access to credits, provide basic infrastructure and encourage livelihood diversification in the study area.